Conservation

The team’s primary focus is centred on the day-to-day operations of managing the Estate’s natural environment in conjunction with the Trust’s other charitable activities. The Trust aims to identify the importance and level of the Estate’s natural resources and implement a strategy of sustainable management to retain and where possible enhance the potential for wildlife diversity alongside a working environment.

This is assisted by the Estate Environmental Conservation Group, a group consisting of members of staff and volunteers from the local community. The group assists with a number of projects and activities on the estate. The main habitat management programmes include management of a number of areas owned by The Dartington Hall Trust both on and off the Estate at Berrymans Marsh, Bidwell Brook and Redlake. Farmland has also been entered into the Countryside Stewardship Scheme run by DEFRA. These areas are developing into rich and diverse wildlife habitats. Other current work includes path restoration, stile and fence repairs and the development of otter holts. Survey work across the estate continues including the monitoring of bats, dormice and birds.

The woodland and conservation areas are an educational and learning resource enjoyed by many visitors. The estate provides many permissive walks without charge. However if your group exceeds five in number we do ask that you notify us in advance by completing the appropriate Application Form. Once the form is received we will confirm your visit in writing. Please click here to download a copy of the form.

Whilst visiting the estate we ask that the Countryside Code is followed and dogs are kept on leads.

To Woodlands…